Book 2 in the New Jersey Storm series! If you love a hot hockey romance, you'll love this series. Good plot, great characters and lots of emotion.

Ford is the goalie for the Storm and as like any goalie, he has a lot of quirks. A lot of Ford's idiosyncrasies stem from his childhood but he has learned to deal with the best he can with therapy, meditation and Taekwondo. He also feels that these quirks make him a little unlovable and also a bit selfish. He has no desire for a girlfriend or family; his first and only love is hockey. However, when a one night stand from a year ago drops a tiny baby at his doorstep, he doesn't have much choice but to step up. In his panic, he enlists the help of his neighbor and friend Andi. Since she works from home, she is somewhat able to help Ford since he has a crazy schedule with hockey. However, she also is very focused on her career and has no desire for kids. This is merely to help Ford out since he has helped her so much since her divorce. The best laid plans never go the way they should. As the two take care of Tilly, both fall in love with her and at the same time their relationship takes a change. It started as friends, moved to friends with benefits but could it be more? Both Andi and Ford have their issues with relationship but both are perfect for each other it seems. But can they get enough gumption to tell the other? And what will happen when Tilly's mother returns for her?

I really enjoyed Ford and all his quirks. Great development of him as a character. And Andi complements him well.

I loved Andi and Ford. They were so perfect for each other as they figured out how to raise Tilly together. I loved that Andi expected Ford for who he was, quirkiness and all. Ford's hockey family is amazing. It was great to see them help him problem solve his situations and show up for each other when needed. This story is definitely an emotional rollercoaster but filled with humor and heartwarming moments. Definitely worth the read!!

Hockey has always been the driving force in Ford’s life which ensured that he kept his interactions with women casual. When he discovers that one of those interactions have resulted in his daughter Tilly and he is now a single father he is out of his depth and needs help from Andi, his friend and neighbor.

After her last relationship Andi isn’t looking for love or a relationship but she isn’t about to let Ford and Tilly fend for themselves. Even though she has no experience with looking after a baby it isn’t long before Tilly steals her heart and seeing the way Ford overcomes his challenges and looks after his daughter has him claiming her heart as well.

Both Ford and Andi have demanding careers and children weren’t something they were considering however when Tilly came into their lives the live they felt for her was immediate and intense as they found the perfect family in each other.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions written are completely honest and my own.

This was the book I chose to start reading again, sadly I was not able to finish it. It was very slow and took way too long to really build a story. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

Ford and Andi morphed into lovers from their friendship very well. They each have their problems, and eventually open up to each other. Tilly was such a cutie baby.

Lovely read.

#KeepingtheScore #NetGalley

I love a good single dad story and this did not disappoint. Ford never wanted kids and has always been upfront with the women he is with. He had parents that loved him and supported him in his hockey career, but he never had boundaries. He is, in his own words, self centered and doesn’t have time or the patience for kids. Plus he is a neat freak. When a woman he was with shows up with a baby and tells him he is the dad, and she needs to leave the baby with him to take care of her parents, he is thrown for a loop.

Andi is Ford’s neighbor and they are friends. She is fresh off a divorce from her husband of years, so she isn’t looking for a serious relationship. She asks him for a favor and he accepts. Their banter over his wardrobe is hilarious, but he steps up. When he asks her for help with his newfound baby, she is hesitant, but can’t turn him down because she sees the pleading and panic in his eyes.

Being able to see the growth of the characters is fantastic. Ford learned a lot about himself and it was really nice seeing him realize that he was looking at certain things incorrectly. I also enjoyed seeing Andi develop into a fantastic person. I didn’t like her at first, for some reason, but seeing her interactions with the baby and Ford helped me change my opinion. I honestly think they brought out the best in each other.

I laughed a lot while reading this book, but there were some sad moments that had me crying as well. When his ex comes back for the baby my heart broke for everyone involved. I can’t wait for more in this series. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a (mostly) fun read with a good storyline—sudden single dad who doesn't know how to deal with a baby and the friendly neighbor who...also doesn't know how to handle a baby. A nice take on the trope that the female knows all and has to teach the inept father, because truly, babies are confounding at times. Loved seeing Ford struggle to let go of his routines, then embrace the change to his lifestyle as he falls in love with his daughter, and seeing Andi realize that she is worthy of love and that her divorce nor her career define who she is entirely. She contains multitudes and her growth is a joy to watch.

I was rather taken aback at the "twist", which while executed well enough hit hard and didn't get the time I feel like it deserved. There was more meat in the bones of that part of this story and I would've liked to have seen it explored and the baby's mother given more dimension. That's the reason I knocked off a star; if going purely off feels, well, it'd be a five because I experienced them all, from cute laughs and sexy times to big fat tears.

Kelly Jamieson is a wonderful author and I will always pick up her books. I'm looking forward to more of her hockey stories in the future!

This one is a tear jerker, for sure. I loved that Andi and Ford worked together to care for Ford’s daughter and also explore their attraction. There was a little bit of conflict and plenty of steamy scenes to keep it spicy. The end was a surprise that had me blubbering like a baby.
Such a great series and a great read, for sure. 5 stars!!

This book was probably not a trope I would have picked to read - to be honest I blindly chose it because I really enjoyed the first book in this series by the author. Accidental pregnancy and single dad are not something I would gravitate towards, but I actually really enjoyed this story in the end. It was spicy, full of personal growth and also heartbreaking moments. I really enjoyed the developing relationship between Andi & Ford. The only thing was that some of the dialogue in the spicy scenes gave me the ick - "pretty p*ssy so soft and pink" and "smooth, juicy" are things I'd rather forget lol. But overall an enjoyable read and can definitely be read as a standalone as there wasn't much character crossover from book 1

Another amazing Hockey romance from Jamieson! I adored the characters in this, it was so hard to put down!

Firstly, thank you so much for letting me read Keeping The Score early!
Ford aspires to be the best goal keeper in ice hockey, he's been taking all summer to perfect all the skills.
And lives next door to ford, she has recently became devoiced and is now putting all her energy into growing her new business.
However, ford finds out he's a father to 3 month old Matilda, her mum needs him to look after her whilst she goes away.
I really enjoyed this so much, who doesn't love a single dad, slow burn and friends to lovers tropes

Keeping The Score by Kelly Jamieson is the second book in the New Jersey Storm hockey series. This is the story of Andi and Ford.
 
Andi recently got divorced and she’s trying to get her life back on track and to bring her own business to the next level. I loved how determined and tough Andi is. She lives next to the hockey player Ford, and I loved seeing their friendship.
 
Ford is very much focused on his job as a hockey goalie, and I loved seeing that and I rarely ever get to see a goalie romance. He is very disciplined and needs his routine and keeps far away from any scandals and is such a golden retriever character. He is just very easy going but his life is turned upside down when he becomes a single dad to his baby daughter. And seeing him being a dad was such a treat and he is so sweet.
 
I loved how this story was a friends-to-lovers story and they really liked each other from the start, and they grow together when they become a team to care for his daughter. It was so sweet seeing them together in very mundane scenes. Also, the backstory to his daughter was tragic and bittersweet and that made them even more of a found family. I always love the author’s hockey romances but this one was extra special, and it was an all the feels romance.
 
Keeping The Score is a perfect single parent hockey romance and I wholeheartedly adored Andi and Ford’s story. 5 stars.
 
(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an arc.)

A perfect read for hockey romance lovers!
Add a baby into the mix, and the story gets even more heartwarming—and a little chaotic!
Ford is a hockey star goalie who has been working extremely hard over the summer to improve his game. He’s got his quirks and superstitions and follows a strict routine to stay calm and composed. Growing up, his life was unpredictable due to his parents’ free-spirited lifestyle, which created challenges for him. Now, he thrives on order and structure just to get by.
Andi is divorced and living a happy, independent life with her newly established business. Her ex-husband cheated on her and left her for a friend. She had invested a lot in that relationship, but he still betrayed her. Thankfully, she's now in a good place emotionally and professionally.
Then, one day, Ford is unexpectedly left with baby Matilda. Her mother, Willow, has to leave town to care for her seriously injured parents. Suddenly, this very scheduled man is responsible for a four-month-old baby. Ford knows nothing about babies—and he never wanted one.
Andi, Ford’s neighbour, offers to help. Both are as clueless as can be when it comes to taking care of a baby. They start spending more time together with Matilda—nicknamed Tilly. Tilly brings chaos to Ford’s perfectly structured life and disrupts Andi’s peaceful routine in the best way.
The story revolves around Ford’s passion for hockey, his growing feelings for Andi, and how baby Tilly slowly becomes the heart of it all.
Grab your copy to see how they navigate unexpected parenthood during Ford’s busy hockey season and Andi’s demanding client meetings. Though Andi feels compelled to help Ford—especially since he supported her during her divorce—she can’t ignore the budding connection between them.

Thank you to Kelly Jamieson, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for the ARC.

I enjoyed reading this book. Without giving spoilers away it was a easy weekend read. Characters were awesome showing emotions! The story had me laughing at some points and tearing up at others. It had a lot of spicy scenes to keep it interesting. I always enjoy Kelly's books!

Keeping the Score by Kelly Jamieson is a steamy and heartfelt sports romance that I really enjoyed. The story follows Ford, a slightly obsessive and schedule-driven professional hockey goalie, and Andi, his next-door neighbor and longtime friend. Their friends-to-lovers dynamic combined with forced proximity created plenty of engaging and emotional moments that kept me invested throughout.

I appreciated how both characters grew and evolved, with Ford balancing his role as a single dad and athlete, while Andi’s warmth and support brought out a softer side of him. The chemistry between them was sizzling and genuine, making their romantic journey feel authentic and satisfying. Jamieson’s writing style is smooth and vivid, capturing the intensity of the hockey world alongside the tenderness of their relationship.

While the plot was somewhat predictable at times, the emotional depth and well-developed characters made up for it. The story’s balance of passion, humor, and heartfelt moments made it a compelling read for me. Overall, I’m giving Keeping the Score four stars. It’s a solid addition to the New Jersey Storm series and a great pick for fans of sports romances with strong characters and steamy romance.

***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***

DNF at 22%

I am not sure what it was about this title, but I just never felt any connection with the characters and regardless of what happened, I never felt invested or even all that concerned about the events.

I have read and enjoyed other titles by this author, so I am not sure as to the reason it didn't work for me, but I have chosen not to finish this title.

I am unable to recommend this title.

My Initial Thoughts
This is my second book by Kelly and I was looking forward to reading a sports romance for a change. And the blurb with the tropes caught my attention straight away, single dad, friends to lovers. I knew I was going to enjoy this. Not to mention the cover!
Plot
I really enjoyed the plot and the slow burn of the plot really added to the flare of the story. Towards the end I felt myself crying and so emotional over things that was happening. I enjoyed the mental health rep, which I have came to love about Kelly’s writing. I enjoyed how both MCs found a sense of peace with each other, even from the beginning. Watching Ford becoming a dad.. well reading.. it just pulls at all your heart strings. There was moments I was laughing so hard, as well as crying. I really enjoyed every part of the plot.
Characters
I really enjoyed how different Ford was, how everything impacts him and his routine to try keep his own mind at ease. Tilly and Andi at the hockey game melted my heart!
The characters really do develop in such a strong way from start to finish. I really did enjoy seeing the growth of them both. And Willa, that just broke me. Every part.
Recommend
If you are looking for a sports romance and a single dad.. look no further than Ford and Ice Hockey.
Favourite Quote
“Love isn’t all hugs and kisses and puppies and kittens. It’s hard. It’s vulnerable. It’s sacrifice. It’s hurting when someone else hurts. Because of all those things, it take courage to love.”
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters were 7, 9, 21,22,25, 30 and 32. So just a few.
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect slow burn for falling in love as a parent, friend and playing ice hockey.
Overall Wrap up
I really enjoyed this, and I plan to go back to book 1 so I can read Benny and Mabel’s story as the team is such a big thing throughout the book. I really loved how the struggles of becoming a parent are documented so perfectly. I loved the mental health part of the story and the plot was just perfect.
Stars & Spice – 4 stars and 3 chilli spices.
Book Information – Keeping The Score by Kelly Jamieson.

Genre – Sports romance.

Pages – 320 pages.

Tropes –
Single dad.
Ice hockey.
Forced proximity.
Friends to lovers.

Available on Kindle Unlimited – Keeping The Score is available on kindle unlimited as is book 1.

Available Formats – Available on kindle, on audiobook and in paperback and hardcover.

Publishing Information – Published on 3rd June 2025 by Boldwood Books.

Format in Which I Read – I read on my kindle.

Where my copy come From – My copy came from Netgallery.

POVs – Written in dual POV, both Ford and Andi.

Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Written on a single timeline.

1st or 3rd Person – Written in first person.

HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – This ends in a HEA.

Series or Standalone – Part of The New Jersey Storm series. A series of interconnected standalones and this is book two.

Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.

Ahh, Andi and Ford…such a great story! Friends to lovers and single dad tropes…which I don’t usually reach for but after reading Crossing the Line, and loving it, I had to read this one! These tropes work together! I loved Ford’s inner monologue- made me cackle a time or two! And of course adorable little Matilda! Top notch steamy moments (slow burn) and love dual POV in my books! Pick this one up for sure, can’t wait for more!!

I’ve been a fan of Kelly Jamieson’s books for several years and she’s always a one-click author for me. At the beginning of this book I was a little unsure what to think about the two main characters because they just didn’t strike me as potential love interests.

Ford is a different type of MMC with his strict routines and need for order and control. He initially came across being too self-centered on his career and goals to be a decent romantic partner. He was a good neighbor and casual friend to Andi, but I didn’t see much potential.

Then little Matilda/Tilly arrives and Ford’s entire life gets turned inside out. Andi reluctantly helps him and the two of them together are scary yet hilarious as they try to figure out how to take care of a baby. The storyline definitely clicked for me as Andi and Ford fall in love with Tilly. Their physical relationship and caring for Tilly grows a deep emotional connection between them.

The support Ford gets from his teammates is heartwarming and his growth as a friend and teammate is impressive. I loved his scene where he connects with Alfie.

The ending is so much more emotional than I anticipated and yanked on my heartstrings. In the end, I appreciated how much Andi and Ford grew and the development of their relationship.

I received a free ARC from the author, Boldwood Books and NeftGalley; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I ended up finishing the book in just a few sittings and really enjoyed the story and characters.